Two more arrests in road rage case

MIDDLETON – Two additional arrests have been made by the Middleton Police Department in a reported road rage case from earlier this month.

Justin Barnes, 22, and James Hartford, who is 17 according to WMUR, both of Farmington, have been arrested and each charged with one count conspiracy to commit criminal threatening, a Class B felony, for a bizarre incident reported on Jan. 17.

Police allege Barnes and Hartford engaged in vehicular pursuit, chasing two other men, after an argument started in Farmington. The chase was reported later by the alleged victims in the case who said they drove through Middleton to evade the men they say were trying to drive them off the road. They also allege Barnes and Hartford used a long pole with a knife attached to the end to pull along side their vehicle and break out their windows.

Both suspects were arraigned on their charges in Rochester Circuit Court this morning via video feed from the Strafford County House of Corrections.

Judge Daniel Cappiello upheld the Strafford County attorney office's recommendations to set bail for both men at $5,000 cash, to convert to personal recognizance bail with Community Corrections programs supervision and GPS bracelet monitoring. Barnes was also ordered to seek a mental health referral.

Barnes and Hartford have also been ordered to possess no firearms or weapons, to not drink to excess or use illicit drugs, to sign a waiver of extradition and to not go within 100 yards or have contact with seven people, including the alleged male victim in the case and Joshua Hussey, 21, of 22 Winter St., Dover.

Hussey was arrested and charged with reckless conduct and criminal liability for conduct toward another on Jan. 23 for allegedly driving the motor vehicle Barnes and Hartford were riding in at the time they allegedly terrorized the victims in this case.

Middleton Police Sgt. Tim Brown said he could not confirm WMUR's reports that chainsaws were also used in this incident to terrorize the victims, stating the matter is still under investigation. He noted additional charges in this case may be forthcoming.

A probable cause hearing has been set for Barnes and Hartford for Feb. 8. The Rochester courtroom was filled with friends and family of the suspects who left when the video arraignment ended.